Favor
n.kind, hopefulwarm
Meaning 1
A helpful act offered to meet someone else's need.
Reach for it when asking for or appreciating a specific piece of assistance
Leah did her neighbor a favor by collecting the medicine before the pharmacy closed.
Choose between these
4- playful
good turn
you want a friendly phrase for one voluntary act
not when A formal letter of thanks needs a less casual expression.
- everyday
practical assistance is the entire point
not when Help may be ongoing and need not be a personally granted favor.
- warm
the generous spirit behind the act matters most
not when Kindness is a quality or act, while favor often names a specific request.
- professional
a defined task is performed for someone
not when Service may be paid or obligatory, unlike a freely offered favor.
Meaning 2
Approval or preference that gives support to one option.
Reach for it when describing a positive judgment, advantage, or leaning
The revised plan found favor with residents near the park.
Choose between these
4- everyday
backing from people or institutions is important
not when Support can remain neutral in intensity and does not always show preference.
- warm
friendly feeling improves how an idea or person is received
not when Goodwill is broader and more durable than favor toward one proposal.
- professional
approval
a person or body regards the proposal positively
not when Approval can be official; favor may be an informal preference.
- professional
preference
one option is chosen over another
not when Preference need not include goodwill or active support.
Said against
4- hindrance
- disservice
- disapproval
- opposition
It naturally appears in
3- do a favor
Could you do a favor and return the library key after lunch?
- ask a favor
She will ask a favor only after explaining the time involved.
- in favor
Seven members voted in favor of the safer crossing.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English noun sense: kind or helpful act opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English noun sense: approval or preference opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.